A coalition of civil society organisations and rights groups has formally written to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. The letter denounces what the signatories describe as defamatory language and hate speech used by several lawmakers.
The statements occurred during an October debate on a parliamentary resolution. Specific politicians used language that incited discrimination against Muslims, according to the open letter.
Certain parliamentarians portrayed Muslims as attempting to infiltrate European democratic institutions. Other lawmakers demanded measures targeting core Islamic religious practices across the continent.
The proposed measures included closing prayer rooms and banning both headscarves and halal food. Lawmakers also called for the deportation of Muslims accused of placing the Quran above national constitutions.
The letter warned that this rhetoric actively fuels hatred against millions of people. It said the language increases the stigmatisation and criminalisation of communities based on perceived religion or origin.
These communities already face an alarming rise in discrimination, hostility, and violence. The letter also criticised the underlying resolution for attempting to delegitimise civil society groups.
The signatories argued that the resolution singles out anti-racism organisations due to their advocacy work. These groups advocate for equal access to rights for Muslim people, including youth and students throughout Europe.
The resolution relies on vague and unsubstantiated allegations. It risks treating routine civil society activities, such as public advocacy and democratic participation, as evidence of entryism.
Groups documenting anti-Muslim discrimination could face accusations of exploiting anti-discrimination frameworks. Such claims could pave the way for their exclusion from European institutions.
The letter cited the 2024 report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. That report found that 47 percent of Muslim respondents experienced racial discrimination during the preceding five years.
The organisations called on Metsola to publicly condemn the hate speech and incitement to discrimination. They urged the parliamentary leadership to take formal action regarding the debate.
